Anashe Mupamombe
As 2024 marks the fifth year of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) campaigning for the total removal of sanctions against Zimbabwe, the significance of this milestone resonates deeply within the country. Initiated under the leadership of the late Tanzanian President, John Magufuli, who championed the cause during his chairmanship of SADC, this campaign has evolved into a critical element of Zimbabwe's political and economic discourse. The ruling ZANU-PF party has consistently linked its last month’s conference resolutions to this ongoing effort, viewing the removal of sanctions as a key step toward national recovery and sovereignty.
The sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, primarily by Western nations, have been a contentious issue since the early 2000s. Designed in response to alleged human rights violations and electoral misconduct, these measures have had a profound impact on the nation’s economy, affecting everything from foreign investment to basic services. The ZANU-PF party has long condemned these sanctions as unjust and detrimental to the country’s development, framing them as an attempt to undermine Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and self-determination. In 2019, during his address to the SADC summit, President Magufuli emphasised the need for regional unity in advocating for the removal of sanctions. He argued that sanctions were not just a challenge for Zimbabwe but a regional issue that threatened stability and development across Southern Africa. This call for solidarity resonated with member states, leading to the establishment of a formal campaign that has gained momentum over the years.
The ZANU-PF party has made the removal of sanctions a central theme in its political resolutions. These resolutions highlight several key areas where sanctions have impeded progress, including economic recovery, social development, and national sovereignty. The party asserts that the removal of these sanctions is essential for economic growth and recovery, emphasising that they have crippled key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and mining, which are vital for job creation and national revenue. The party calls for a unified effort to lobby for their removal to restore investor confidence and stimulate economic growth.
ZANU-PF’s resolutions also address the social implications of sanctions, particularly in the health and education sectors. The party argues that sanctions have led to the deterioration of public services, affecting the most vulnerable populations. ZANU-PF envisions a future where resources can be allocated to improve healthcare, education, and infrastructure, free from the constraints imposed by sanctions. The party firmly believes that the sanctions are a violation of Zimbabwe's sovereignty. ZANU-PF's resolutions often invoke national pride, arguing that the nation must stand united against external pressures. This narrative not only galvanises support within the country but also strengthens the call for regional solidarity in the SADC campaign.
Over the past five years, SADC has played a crucial role in amplifying Zimbabwe’s voice on the global stage. The organisation has organised various events, including commemorative days and campaigns, to raise awareness about the impact of sanctions. The "SADC Anti-Sanctions Day," observed annually on October 25, serves as a focal point for this advocacy, uniting member states in solidarity with Zimbabwe. As Zimbabwe approaches the fifth anniversary of this campaign, SADC’s commitment remains unwavering. The organisation has reiterated its call for the international community to reconsider the sanctions, urging dialogue and engagement rather than punitive measures. In the context of the upcoming elections and the broader socio-economic landscape, the importance of this campaign cannot be overstated.
The ZANU-PF party, in conjunction with SADC, is now focusing on strategic initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of the sanctions while promoting national recovery. ZANU-PF has pledged to implement policies that promote self-sufficiency, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing. By reducing reliance on foreign aid and fostering local production, the party aims to demonstrate that Zimbabwe can thrive despite external pressures. Recognising the vital role of Zimbabweans abroad, ZANU-PF is enhancing its outreach to the diaspora, encouraging them to support the campaign for sanctions removal. This engagement includes mobilising resources and raising awareness about the positive developments within the country.
The party is advocating for open dialogue with various stakeholders, including civil society and opposition parties, to foster a united front against sanctions. By building consensus on this issue, ZANU-PF aims to present a united national response to the international community. ZANU-PF plans to implement educational programs that inform citizens about the historical context of the sanctions, fostering a sense of national pride and resilience. By instilling a collective memory of the struggles faced, the party hopes to rally citizens around the cause.
As Zimbabwe commemorates five years of SADC’s campaign for the removal of sanctions, the link between this initiative and the ZANU-PF party's resolutions is unmistakable. The continued advocacy for sanctions removal is not just about alleviating economic hardships; it is also a quest for national dignity and empowerment. With a renewed focus on unity and resilience, ZANU-PF and its allies within SADC are committed to achieving a future where Zimbabwe can thrive free from the burden of sanctions, paving way for sustainable development and prosperity.
